In Japan Broken Objects Are Repaired With Gold Quote
Introduction
In Japan, there is an ancient art called "Kintsugi," which translates to "golden joinery" or "golden repair." It's a method of repairing broken objects with a special lacquer mixed with gold powder. Instead of hiding the cracks, Kintsugi highlights them, turning the broken object into a beautiful piece of art.
The History of Kintsugi
Kintsugi has been around for over 500 years. It is believed to have originated in the 15th century when a Japanese shogun broke his favorite tea bowl and sent it to China for repair. When it was returned with ugly metal staples holding it together, he asked his craftsmen to come up with a better way to fix broken ceramics.
The Japanese craftsmen came up with the Kintsugi technique using gold dust mixed with lacquer to repair broken pottery. It became a popular way of repairing ceramics and was even used on precious and expensive objects.
How Kintsugi Works
Kintsugi is a painstaking process that involves mixing lacquer with gold powder to create a paste. The paste is then used to fill in the cracks and holes in the broken object, making it look as good as new. The object is then left to dry for several days before being sanded down to create a smooth surface.
The final step involves polishing the object to give it a glossy finish. The result is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece that highlights the object's history and adds value to it.
The Philosophy of Kintsugi
Kintsugi is not just a technique for repairing broken objects, but it's also a philosophy. It's based on the idea that nothing is ever truly broken, and that flaws and imperfections are what make an object unique and beautiful.
Instead of trying to hide the cracks and imperfections, Kintsugi embraces them, making the object more valuable and beautiful than it was before. It's a reminder that everything has value, even when it's broken.
Kintsugi in Modern Times
Kintsugi is still practiced in Japan today, and it's also become popular in other parts of the world. It's not just used to repair ceramics, but also other objects like glass and wood.
Many people are drawn to Kintsugi because it's a way to give new life to broken objects and turn them into something beautiful. It's also a reminder that imperfections and flaws are what make us unique and valuable.
Conclusion
Kintsugi is a beautiful art form that not only repairs broken objects but also celebrates their imperfections. It's a reminder that everything has value, even when it's broken or flawed. If you have a broken object that you cherish, consider having it repaired using the Kintsugi technique.
